Cauliflower Mock Pizza

The cauliflower mock pizza, also known as “cauliflower pizza crust”, is a healthy and light variant of the classic pizza, perfect for those following gluten-free or low-carb diets. As a chef who loves to infuse an Italian touch, here’s the recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 medium cauliflower
• 100 g of grated mozzarella cheese (you can opt for a light version if you prefer)
• 1 egg
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Dried oregano to taste
• Other toppings of your choice (tomato, mozzarella, vegetables, etc.)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
2. Cut the cauliflower into florets and then blend it in a food processor until you obtain a mixture similar to “cauliflower rice”.
3. Transfer the cauliflower to a microwave-safe bowl and cook it for 7-8 minutes or until it becomes soft. Let it cool down.
4. Once the cauliflower is cold, use a clean tea towel or cheese cloth to squeeze out all the excess liquid from the cauliflower.
5. In a bowl, mix the dry cauliflower with the grated mozzarella, egg, a pinch of salt, pepper and oregano.
6. Spread the mixture on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, shaping it into a pizza base of the desired diameter but not too thick.
7. Bake the cauliflower base for 15-20 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden.
8. Take out the base and add the toppings you prefer, as if you were decorating a traditional pizza.
9. Put it back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the ingredients are hot.
10. Take out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes and then serve.

Fun Fact

Cauliflower pizza has become popular in recent years as a healthy alternative to traditional pizza, especially among those following specific diets. It’s a creative way to consume vegetables and can be customized with an endless variety of toppings.

To maintain a more Italian touch, I suggest using classic toppings like tomato, buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Enjoy your meal!